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suppose
[suh-pohz, suh-pohst]
verb (used with object)
to assume (something) for the sake of argument, as part of a proposition or theory, a problem set to be solved as an exercise, etc..
If we suppose the distance to be one mile, and his jogging speed to be six miles per hour, how long will it take him to cover the distance?
OK, let's suppose we can get through their defenses—what then?
to consider (something) as a suggested possibility or proposed plan.
Suppose we wait until tomorrow, after the weather clears up.
to believe or presume to be true; take for granted.
Most people supposed that his death was an accident.
Will you go on forever supposing that you can act this way without consequences?
to think or hold tentatively as an opinion; guess; imagine.
do you suppose he will do?
I don’t suppose they’d lend us their truck, would they?
to require logically; imply; presuppose.
The evidence supposes his presence near the scene.
verb (used without object)
to make assumptions or presuppositions; engage in hypothesizing or imagining.
We must respect the ongoing investigation without supposing or speculating about the young man’s motives.
I'm through with supposing and am going to start figuring!
suppose
/ əˈəʊ /
verb
to presume (something) to be true without certain knowledge
I suppose he meant to kill her
to consider as a possible suggestion for the sake of discussion, elucidation, etc; postulate
suppose that he wins the election
(of theories, propositions, etc) to imply the inference or assumption (of)
your policy supposes full employment
Other Word Forms
- supposable adjective
- supposably adverb
- supposer noun
- missuppose verb
- unsupposable adjective
- ܱˈDz adjective
- ܱˈDz noun
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of suppose1
Idioms and Phrases
supposed to,
expected, intended, or obligated to.
According to the agreement, the landlord is supposed to do any necessary repairs.
It wasn’t supposed to rain today.
Is that squiggle supposed to be your signature?
(used in the negative) not allowed to; forbidden to; obligated or required not to.
I’m sorry, I didn't realize that I wasn't supposed to record the concert.
Mom says we’re not supposed to touch the thermostat.
assumed or alleged to.
He's supposed to look just like his father, but I don't see it.
Example Sentences
All rides are supposed to undergo a major initial inspection, called a design review, to ensure they are operating safely.
"How are we supposed to know where a military site is and where isn't?" one said.
It still would have been better than his supposed deal with China on trade or the Houthi regime in Yemen on shipping, both of which amount to plenty of bluster followed by retreat.
Wasn’t this supposed to be a fresh, elevated take on the romantic comedy, where Dakota Johnson must grapple with the impossible decision of choosing between Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans?
One of the game’s oldest rivalries, pitting what were supposed to be two of the game’s top pitchers.
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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